The Buffalo Bills successfully cleared another hurdle in the preseason, knocking off the Cleveland Browns 31-7 in NFL Preseason Week 2 action on Sunday afternoon.
Buffalo's opening drive was interrupted by a thunderstorm, delaying the game by 45 minutes early in the first quarter. The Bills returned to the field following the break in action and finished another impressive opening drive. Running back Ray Davis finished the nine-play drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown.
Wide receiver Ja'Mori Maclin and Mecole Hardman each added a receiving touchdown on the afternoon.
The Bills' defense had a great afternoon, limiting the Browns starters to only seven points in the first half. Once again, the Bills depth shut down their opponents' reserves.
All
in all, it was an impressive, complete team effort in a showcase of players battling for depth spots on the roster and practice squad.
Here is The Bills Wire's instant analysis of Sunday's performance:
What went well?
There was a ton to like about Buffalo's game this week.
Both quarterbacks had a solid afternoon. Kyle Allen led the Bills down the field for an opening-drive score. He was decisive with his passing, making on-target throws and allowing receivers to make plays. Allen went 10-of-12 for 128 yards, completing his time on the field with a touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.
Ja'Mori Maclin made a highlight-reel run-after-catch, taking a Shane Buechele pass 71 yards to the house. Maclin caught a perfect pass from Buechele, made one move to shimmy around the Browns safety, and ran for the score.
Trent Sherfield also had a nice afternoon, leading the Bills with four receptions on the day. He totaled 54 yards on the four catches, good for second on Buffalo.
Buffalo's defense looked solid all afternoon. The team's tackling was strong, as Cleveland had limited opportunities to break away from Bills defenders.
Kani Walker had another very good game, keeping his name in the running for a depth boundary cornerback spot.
Te'Cory Couch and Damar Hamlin each registered an interception. Both made nice plays in securing the turnovers: Hamlin reeled in a deflected pass while Couch snagged a high pass from a Browns receiver.
The Bills were in control in the trenches. Buffalo hemmed in the Browns quarterbacks all game long. Javon Solomon recorded Buffalo's only sack. However, the unit was impressive in limiting the Browns throughout the game.
Tyler Bass looks like he is gaining more confidence as well. Bass made all four of his PATs in the game. In addition, he was good from 52 with a bomb that showed off the strength of his leg.
What didn't go well?
The main item to critique was Buffalo's defense on Cleveland's scoring drive in the first quarter. The Bills could not stop Shadeur Sanders on fourth down in the middle of the drive. Sanders found Luke Floriea for an eight-yard touchdown.
From that moment on, though, the Bills were in complete control of this game.
The bottom line
The Bills have looked great during the first two preseason games. Buffalo looks prepared, and as a whole, the Bills operation has run smoothly under Joe Brady. Both wins have been dominant, as the Bills have won in all three facets in both games.
Buffalo has a good problem: they have a bevy of choices to round out their roster and fill their practice squad. Head coach Joe Brady has a short week to decide how to focus the snap share of players for the final preseason game.
For the most part, the roster is mostly set. You will not see any starters move anywhere near the edge of the field for Thursday's game.
Several players have made their way into conversation for the final roster. These players include: Ian Wheeler, Ja'Mori Maclin, and Kani Walker.
What's next?
The Bills have a short week leading into their final preseason game, taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday evening at Highmark Stadium. This is the final opportunity for players to show their skills in a game setting ahead of roster cutdowns on August 31.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Instant analysis: Bills dominant in second preseason game vs. Browns
